Denver, Colorado’s Best Attractions

September 27, 2018 Comments Off on Denver, Colorado’s Best Attractions

Exploring Denver Colorado

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science: You will want to devote an entire day to exploring this museum, which boasts something for everyone. Regardless of age, there are fascinating exhibits to be explored here, ranging from dinosaur bones and real Egyptian mummies as well as an impressive wildlife collection that provides information on animals from all over the world. If you manage to see all the exhibits, be sure to take in one of their impressive 3-D IMAX movies or a planetarium show. The gift shop is a favorite spot for stopping, as is the T-Rex café, where you can refuel with everything from coffee and salads as well as hot entrees and daily specials. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm everyday except for Christmas.

Elitch Gardens: If you’re looking for a fun-filled day that is sure to please the entire family, look no farther than this amusement park. There is a large waterpark for beating the summer heat, boasting everything from high speed waterslides to a giant wave pool and kid friendly splash zones, as well as a 75-foot tall family raft ride! In the main park, there are plenty of rollercoasters and an interactive haunted house for the thrill seekers, while those preferring a tamer ride can enjoy the giant Ferris wheel or soak up the views from the observation tower. Of course, there are plenty of rides geared towards small children, along with multiple refreshment stands and plentiful sit-down restaurants that offer everything from pizza to the classic burger and a beer combination.

Lower Downtown: Locally known as LoDo, this is the oldest neighborhood in the city of Denver. Through historical rejuvenation, it has become a favorite place amongst locals and tourists alike to eat, drink and play. Here you will find Larimer Square, which was once the site of the original pioneering camp of Rocky Mountain gold prospectors, as well as multiple art galleries and museums. This is an excellent spot for people watching and shopping, as well as being home to some of the city’s most famous restaurants and nightclubs. Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar offers a phenomenal selection of tasty seafood and inventive cocktails, while the Chophouse and Brewery is ideal for sampling some local craft beers paired with excellent steaks and/or burgers.

The Molly Brown House: Margaret Tobin was born on July 18th, 1867 in the town of Hannibal, Missouri. When she was eighteen, her family moved to Leadville, Colorado, and soon afterwards, she married James Joseph (J.J.) Brown. The couple amassed tremendous wealth due to J.J.’s success in the mining business, and they relocated to the city of Denver, where Brown built this gorgeous mansion for his wife. Brown never quite fit into high society, as she was very outspoken. In 1912, after traveling through Egypt, she booked passage on the RMS Titanic, which met its demise after hitting an iceberg. Brown established herself as a hero as the ship sank, as she was instrumental in helping the crew load the lifeboats. Once out at sea, she argued vehemently that the lifeboat she was in should turn back to look for survivors. The crew-members protested, yet Brown was insistent, taking up an oar herself and threatening to throw the cowardly crew-members overboard. Because of her heroism, she was given an award as well as the nickname “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Today, her former mansion stands as a museum. Though the place was slated for demolition in 1970, it was saved through the efforts of local historical preservation groups. The home is open for exploration via guided tour year-round, with tours embarking every half an hour. While you will not only hear the full story of Molly Brown’s remarkable life and see some of her personal possessions, there is also a unique gift shop for exploring at the end as well!

Red Rocks Amphitheater: An absolute must-visit attraction, the Red Rocks park offers over 730 acres of spectacular wilderness for walking, biking or simply enjoying the scenery. Unique in its location, this is where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is not only gorgeous, it is the only naturally occurring amphitheater with perfect acoustics in the entire world! Framed by two large crimson-colored sandstone monoliths known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock, this is a geological wonder that was formed by Mother Earth herself. Everyone from the Beatles to John Denver and many other musical greats have played concerts here, captivated by the unique scenery. Even if you are not able to see a concert here, the amphitheater is well worth a visit simply to take in its unique beauty.

Union Station: Opened in 1881, this place is at once a major transportation center as well as a mecca of shopping and dining. Locally known as “Denver’s living room,” this Amtrak and bus station are a prime spot to sit back and people watch. The bathrooms are impeccably clean, and you can even take a tour through the Crawford Hotel which ends at the Terminal Bar, where you can partake in a complimentary cocktail! For the best deals, be sure to hit the restaurants and bars during happy hour, where you can enjoy the Union Station experience without emptying your wallet.